Arne Slot Provides Rio Ngumoha Injury Update

Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield, advancing to face Brighton in the fourth round, but the match was overshadowed by an injury concern for 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha.[2][1]

Barnsley started strongly, hitting the post within 30 seconds via Davis Keillor-Dunn and forcing saves from Giorgi Mamardashvili. Liverpool responded with Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning 25-yard opener in the 10th minute, followed by Jeremie Frimpong's emphatic finish. Barnsley equalized bizarrely through ex-Red Adam Phillips capitalizing on a Szoboszlai error before halftime.[2]

In the second half, Virgil van Dijk's header was tipped onto the bar, and Arne Slot introduced substitutes including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Ibrahima Konate. Ngumoha, who impressed with four dribbles, two key passes, and 86% pass accuracy (per Sofascore), was substituted in the 73rd minute after overstretching and receiving treatment, replaced by Ryan Gravenberch.[2][3]

Arne Slot downplayed fears in his post-match TNT Sports interview, attributing the issue to cramp: "I hope that’s cramp. I expect it to be cramp as well. He hasn’t made that many minutes this season. Today he had 70 to 75 minutes. That’s good for him."[2][3][4] He added, "Without wanting to disrespect them, the intensity in the Premier League is even higher. That’s a nice first stage for Rio. So keep working really really hard to play 90 at this level."[2][4]

Slot emphasized Ngumoha's development amid limited minutes, contrasting it with higher Premier League demands. Fans, wary after Conor Bradley's season-ending knee injury, can be reassured as medical assessments are expected to confirm cramp, not a serious muscle issue. Slot plans cautious management of the teen's game time amid forward absences.[3][4]

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